Fly infestation!!

[ontariolayers]

Hey all!!

New to the chicken world!! Moved out to the country and been raising a small flock of 8 pullets for the past 2 months from day olds.

Anyways, its been getting relatively warm up here in Ontario recently. Due to the heat, I've noticed a massive spike in the fly population in my coop and I'm starting to get a little worried.

I know this has been covered plenty but any great tips out there on reducing the population of flies in my coop? Does it help to vent the coop (open up the door/window) during the day? How bad are the flies for my hens?

Ive been cleaning out the coop (entirely) about once every 9-10 days and its still very persistant. I've also been trying fly strips too (which are working a bit) but still haven't been able to reduce the problem entirely and I'm worried about my girls!!

I've heard the DE will work. What constitutes food grade DE? I work at a winery and we use DE for filtration purposes (so was thinking I could grab some from work), but as a powder (regardless if its food grade or not) it is still regarded as a carcinogen is it not?

Thanks all for your help and input!!

Cheers

Tim

 

[TexasLea]

The DE will help in the coop in the areas under the roosts especially. For out in your run though I recommend the fly traps that you add water too. They stink, but they sure do work. Here's a link to show you what I'm talking about:

http://www.amazon.com/Victor-M502-D...=UTF8&qid=1341373913&sr=1-3&keywords=fly+trap

The flies can be really bad for your chickens. I almost lost one this year to something called fly strike. Basically it's where the flies lay eggs on an open wound or in my case, the poop that stuck to the feathers on the rear of my fluffy bottomed hen. Then, they hatch out and begin eating the flesh. It doesn't matter if it is living tissue of not.

If you notice the flies on your birds, there is a product sold in the feed stores called screw worm spray. It works wonders for keeping the nasty things away from the animal sprayed with it. It is a pesticide though so I would only use it if the flies are making an animal sick.

 

[thumper76]

Our local garden store also sells chicks and does chicken classes. I was talking to them today about the flies in my yard and they sell beneficial nematodes. You soak them in water and then put them in a sprayer (they are microscopic) and spray them all around the chicken area. They will go into the ground and consume the eggs that the flies lay on the ground. They also consume lawn pests such as cutworms but they do not harm earthworms or beneficial insects. I don't have the option to spread DE around because the ladies have a large area in my backyard.
The flytraps stink horribly and sometimes I think that they attract more flies! I know you are in CAN but the store is in Tacoma WA, called Garden Sphere, you might be able to call them and find out the specifics and then see if it is available where you are.

 

[Debbi]

If you use DE, it MUST BE FOOD GRADE!!! DO NOT use the stuff for filtration it is highly toxic! Food grade DE will say just that on the bag. If the bag does not say Food Grade, then assume it isn't! I also have a major fly population here this summer, and I have spread the DE in the run, dust baths, and in the coop. You won't see results immediately, but in 3 days or so, you will see the flies lessen. If the area gets wet, you must reapply the DE.

If you live in horse country, there is also a product called "Sweet PDZ". It is a natural mineral for odor and ammonia absorbtion, and it also dries all feces up. Less smell, less flies. It is safe to use around the animals too.

 

[JackE]

First thing, Yes open all the windows/vents for all the fresh air the coop can get. Second, check out this link https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/382037/vanilla-fly-controll A lot of people have had great success with this. I think the jury is still out on DE. You can try it if you want. I never used any in my coop and have never had any kind of fly problem. I think wide open ventilation is a big help.
Jack

 

[ontariolayers]

Thanks everyone for their input!! Just want to say its great that the chicken community is so friendly and eager to help! I love it!!

I was debating about the DE, and decided to not go with it (luckily). Thanks Debbi^^^^ for your input on this.

So I've cleaned out the coop again tonight and layed down fresh straw and bedding. I also found some really big fly strips for barns (7 ft in length): 2 rolls for $1.30. So I've popped one of them up hoping it will help.

Very interesting about the vanilla car fresheners JackE. For a couple of bucks, I'm already ordering some online (24 cents each on amazon!)

Quick question, I noticed that "Flies" is becoming a big issue for a lot of folk this summer as its abnormally hot. I read today that straw is not the best idea for flooring as it is a hosting ground for larvae etc. Any truth in this? If so, any other flooring ideas? Pine chips work better to absord the poop? My young ladies love playing in the straw tho!

Thanks TexasLea. I also picked up a few of those today too. Can't hurt to hit the flies with everything!!